Police vindicated by verdicts in Zumba trial

ALFRED, Maine (AP) - The Kennebunk Police Department came under attack during the investigation of a prostitution scandal that focused on a Zumba dance studio. Now the department is feeling vindicated after a conviction of one of the two accused co-conspirators.

The defense attacked the motives of the lead investigator, the handling of evidence and the conduct of officers during the trial of Mark Strong Sr., who was convicted Wednesday of 13 counts of promoting prostitution.

Chief Robert MacKenzie says defendants who have no other defense often attack investigators. But he said jurors saw through the smoke screen.

He praised the lead investigator, officer Audra Presby, for maintaining her focus, saying she "did a great job despite those personal attacks."

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